"The Domain Name System, ensures the uniqueness of each
e-mail and Web site address. This system links names like www.senate.gov with the underlying numerical addresses that computers use to
communicate with each other. It translates names into addresses and
back again in a process invisible to the end user. This process relies
on a system of servers, called domain name servers, which store data
linking names with numbers. Each domain name server stores a limited
set of names and numbers. They are linked by a series of 13 root servers, which coordinate the data
and allow users to find the server that identifies the sites they want
to reach. Domain name servers are organized into a hierarchy that
parallels the organization of the domain names. For example, when
someone wants to reach the Web site at www.senate.gov, his or her
computer will ask one of the root servers for help.[5]
The root server will direct the query to a second server that knows the
location of names ending in the .gov top-level domain.[6]
If the address includes a subdomain, the second server refers the query
to a third server—in this case, one that knows the addresses for all
names ending in senate.gov. The third server will then respond to the
request with a numerical address, which the original requester uses to
establish a direct connection with the www.senate.gov site. Figure 2
illustrates this example."

[5] This
example assumes that the required domain name information is not
available on the user’s local network.
[6] Although the Department of Commerce has authority
to modify the root file containing this top-level domain information,
it has delegated this authority to the Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a nonprofit
organization, and VeriSign, a
private corporation.

Legislation

The Next Generation Internet Research Act (authorizing the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects on trademark holders of adding new top-level domain names and requesting recommendations on inexpensive and expeditious procedures for resolving trademark disputes over the assignment of domain names)

CATO: Who Rules the Root?
ICANN, Domain Names, and the Battle over Internet Governance Milton
Mueller Real AudioUN
Meeting of the General Assembly devoted to information and
communication technologies for development. June 17 Morning | Afternoon